Nairobi Arboretum occupies 30.4 hectares and is situated 3 km from the city centre. It was established in 1907 by Mr. Battiscombe, Deputy Conservator of forests mainly as a site for exotic tree species trials. This was because foresters in Kenya had become concerned that indigenous trees that the railway relied on were getting depleted faster than they could regenerate. To add to the tree species, Mr. H.M. Gardner (Chief Conservators of Forests) also collect indigenous shrubs and trees that were introduced there each year in spite of drought and diseases. Arboretum Forest Station was gazetted as protected Forest Reserves in 1932 and is managed by Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

Nairobi Arboretum now hosts over 300 species of exotic and indigenous tree species. The arboretum also has over 100 species of migrant and resident bird species in addition to Sykes and Vervet monkeys.

There are special areas available for hire for special events and group activities

Getting there and around

Public Transport: board matatu no.48 Kileleshwa route from Odeon matatu terminus and alight at Shell. Walk to the pedestrian gate which is about 100 metres from shell.

From CBD, one can chose to walk via Nairobi university way then to state house road up to the Arboretum main entry. It’s approximately 3 kilometres.

By private transport: Take the arboretum drive or University way and use the road next to Compuera academy, next to state house Gate C. Follow the road then take the next right turn to Arboretum main enrty.

Taxi hire from town would be approximately 500 Kenyan shillings.

There is a guidebook available for purchase at 600 Kenyan shillings to help one get around the forest citing key areas too.

Visiting hours

Entry tickets can be purchased at the point of entry between 6:00 am and 6:30 pm.